I find this is a byproduct of being one's self.

People tell you in school, college, et cetera, to "be yourself", unique, one's own person, et cetera.

They don't tell you that being a unique individual often comes with its own set of struggles. I am often caught speechless in conversations with friends who obsess over the details of mainstream TV shows I've never seen or topics I have very little knowledge about, so I have little else to do but nod, stand there awkwardly and B.S. my way through it.

The positive is that, sometimes, you develop these strong, unique friendships with people who are more alike you than you imagine. Maybe optimistic wishful thinking, but these friendships are truly special. If you only have a handful of them, you are extremely fortunate.

Other times, you find that "opposites attract" and you make friendships/relationships out of people who you share nothing in common with but don't find mutually intimidating enough to talk with.

I identify with outsiders. Some of my favorite fictional characters have been those who are abnormal (my avatar is one of them). I guess it hits very close to home for me because I've been there myself.